2022 Sasol Sustainability Report - Book - Page 66
SUSTAINABILITY PERFORMANCE AGAINST OUR FOCUS AREAS
INTRODUCTION
DATA AND ASSURANCE
MANAGING OUR ENVIRONMENTAL FOOTPRINT (CONTINUED)
Environmental compliance
(continued)
PERFORMANCE (CONTINUED)
SO AND
REGIONAL
OPERATIONS
AND ASSET
SERVICES
A drip leak was detected on a clamp that was installed on Sasol’s Secunda, Natref Integration pipeline. The clamp was subsequently repaired, and the pipe tested. Soil sampling
and analysis did not indicate any contamination. The incident was however reported to DFFE.
Intermittent controlled releases of process water and storm water occurred at SO during the reporting period, such releases were duly authorised and conducted in accordance
with a directive received from the DWS.
On 31 January 2022, during routine monitoring of the Klipspruit, dead fish were noted at the receiving environment surface monitoring station seven (RESM-7). During the
monitoring, it was also observed that raw sewage from an upstream pumpstation, unrelated to SO or Sasol, entered the Klipspruit upstream of RESM-7. Intermittent controlled
releases of process water and storm water occurred at SO before (approximately eight hours) the dead fish was observed. These were governed in terms of a directive received
from the DWS. The controlled releases support a key safety control, necessitated as an urgent measure to manage water levels in process water dams due to the unusually high
rainfall experienced in the early part of the rain season (latter part of 2021 and early in 2022). In this regard we wish to point out that no dead fish or other aquatic impacts were
observed when subsequent controlled releases occurred. Given the nature of the incident, as a precautionary measure, SO opted to report and manage the observed dead fish as
an environmental incident and reported same to the DWS and the DFFE in accordance with the applicable statutory requirements within the associated timelines. An incident
investigation, including an aquatic impact assessment and additional specialists studies, related to this incident was undertaken. A close out meeting was also held with the DWS.
The incident was managed on the premise that there was no conclusive evidence on the relatedness between SO’s activities and the observed dead fish.
In July 2021, ammonia venting occurred at tar, phenosolvan, nitro and sulphur plant. Liquid had accumulated in the vent line and was subsequently released from the stack.
No significant impact to ambient air quality was noted, nonetheless the incident was reported to DFFE and to the local licensing authorities.
During August 2021, as a result of a process upset and consequential damage to equipment, elevated levels of particulate matter were observed at the east main stack.
In December 2021 and January 2022, modelled NOx emissions indicated higher-than-normal levels. These incidents were investigated and reported to the relevant authorities.
As was reported previously, the Environmental Management Inspectorate was investigating if any offences had been committed under the NEMA and any Specific Environmental
Management Acts at SO. The investigation had been initiated in April 2021. On 27 July 2022, summons was served on Sasol instituting criminal proceedings related to alleged past
transgressions of NEMA, the Waste Act and the National Water Act at SO. Sasol will adhere to the legal process that will be followed.
CHINA
The Environment Protection Bureau conducted an inspection at our Nanjing Plant and issued a penalty fine relating to two findings, namely:
• Even though internal sampling and testing is done, rain water discharge is not sampled and tested by a third party on a monthly basis; and
• There was no gas collecting and treatment system at the warehouse waste storage area.
These findings have since been resolved.
GERMANY
In Brunsbüttel, carbon monoxide emissions emanating at the facility’s calciners are much higher than anticipated. We presented a mitigation plan to the local authorities
(Landesamt für Landwirtschaft, Umwelt und ländliche Räume) and continue to engage with them.
ITALY
The review of the Integrated Environmental Permit (AIA) for the Sarroch facility was completed. The new AIA included one new limit at the flare which may not be possible to
measure directly. Therefore we have filed a recourse with the Administrative Court.
On June 15th, 2022, Sasol Italy received a notice of preliminary investigation by the Tribunal of Syracuse. The investigation deals with the alleged crime of environmental disaster
in relation to the waste-water treatment performed by a public controlled company named Industria Acqua Siracusana (I.A.S.) in favour of the refineries and chemical plants of
the industrial area of Syracuse.
The investigation focuses on the allegation that all the industrial customers of I.A.S. such as Sasol Italy, have conferred industrial wastewaters exceeding the parameters of the
applicable regulation by causing, all together, an environmental disaster. Other allegations are that the I.A.S. treatment plant has not been realized to treat this type of industrial
wastewater and that the plant has been operated notwithstanding the expiration of the authorization.
To the date I.A.S. is managed by a judicial commissioner and the Region has issued an integrated environmental authorization which should allow the prosecution of the disposal
also pending the criminal proceedings, subject to the renewal of the contractual environmental thresholds with I.A.S., following a testing phase prescribed by the new regional
authorization.
Sasol Italy fully collaborates with the authorities in the ongoing investigation and with the judicial commissioner of I.A.S.
The company points out that the reduced quantities of wastewater of the Augusta Plant disposed via I.A.S. fully complies with applicable laws and regulations and are subject to
pre-treatment operations.
MOZAMBIQUE
There were exceedances of the water abstraction limit at the CPF due to various water leaks. We reported the exceedance to the authorities and are working on mitigating actions.
The previously reported non-compliance issued by the Department of Territorial Development and Environment regarding the compensation process undertaken during
debushing for the PT5-C 2D Seismic Campaign was closed out and the bush clearing compensation fee was paid.
SASOL SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2022
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